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I am on the train from the Stockholm airport after 6 days in Zanzibar, Tanzania. These days were the kick off of a two year project, meant to bring the two communities closer to each other. Appropriate to make a short reflection over impressions so far.

Makunduchi. The leaders of Makunduchi are eager to help their villages develop. Some of these leaders work in the capital and are no longer residents. But they want to contribute and have moved to increase foreign presence. The Makundushi area has not benefitted from tourism as other areas have. The standard of living, due to lack of jobs and lower education is lower. The levels of education have to improve so that Makunduchians can get jobs. Interest and commitment from such people as Mr.Mohammed Muombwa and Mr. Abdella Ali Kombo are important. Participation from former minister for Zanzibar Mr. Shamsi Vuai Nahodha might show itself valuable being someone that moves on highest circles of political power in the country. The people of Zanzibar have a long history to relate to. The will from central government to deliver solutions transforms itself into new challenges when resources are not applied. The friendly and hospitable Zanzibarians need to see to it that their schools have toilets, running water and enough competent teachers for the many learners.

Sundsvall. With this project the municipality of Sundsvall takes part on the generous cooperation budget, that the Swedish State puts aside, to have a positive voice in the world. Why it became Zanzibar is more connected to coincidence, as contacts were established by teachers and Swedish students before we could formalise the cooperation. In order to participate on this type of project Swedish authorities require that a steering committee is elected to supervise and lead. This committee is to be formed by politicians. Local parliament (Kommunfullmäktige) chose the education committee to form this group with me as chairman.

Mr. Hans Zetterkvist, Mrs. Ina Skandevall and myself went to Zanzibar as a first delegation. We did our best to represent our Community. We saw our task not as telling our friends what to do, but rather tried to find applicable examples on how we solve political questions at home. Important in this context is history, as our people in Sweden have also been poor. This is what interchange is all about. All political parties except Sverigedemokraterna, approved our participation. Sweden Democrat’s no to this project is in itself a paradox, considering they always say that we should not allow people to come to Sweden and instead help them in their own countries. But from populist parties like this one, nothing surprises any longer. It is worse when Elin Nilsson (Moderates) herself member of the steering committee for the project, suddenly changes foot. I understand that some people think that Sundsvall politicians should not leave the municipality.When we choose to get involved in politics is beacuse we have an interest for human beings and to help get ourselves a better and fairer World. This is what first motivated me to become a member of the Social Democratic party of Sweden. And it still is.

It is my hope to engage people from the civil society of Sundsvall that aim at contributing to the same goals by helping to solve some of the vital and basic needs in the field of education in Makunduchi, such as putting a new roof in a school, help to build a toilet or drill for water.

Our first twenty four hours in Zanzibar south. Many meetings with leaders and villagers from Makunduchi. By the way it is pronounced Makundutchi as taught by friend and colleague Mr . Mwita Massemo. Yesterday we were met at the airport by project colleagues Mr. Hafith Ameir and Mr. Moh’med Moumbwa. A mini van took us to the La Madrugada hotel under the guiding expertise of Miss Zaina. Zaina has education in business administration but was very pleased to have this job as guide.

On our afternoon tour of Makunduchi we met women groups in the different villages. They meet under trees once a week on a money saving scheme. By the time night came we all needed a good night’s sleep. This first delegation to kick off the project is a political one. Composing it besides myself are Hans Zetterkvist and Ina Skandevall. Christine Strömberg is the Coordinator for Sundsvall.

This morning a large numbers of youngsters came to see us at the Hotel. I asked them what were their dreams and goal with life.At the beginning everybody was rather shy but eventually each and everyone stood up presented themselves and described what they would like to do in the future. Many wanted to become teachers, others wanted to work in construction , medicine and law, feminist philosopher, and acting were also targets for the Makunduchi youngsters. They would rather have met people in the same age which is completely justifiable. My overall impression is that these young people do not differ from our own in Sundsvall concerning their ambitions and dreams. In Sweden it should be much easier to accomplish them though.